From the Principal

Bill Rawson ’71; P’08 was appointed Exeter’s 16th principal in January 2019 after six months of leadership as the Academy’s interim principal. Rawson’s return to Exeter followed a 32-year career at the international law firm of Latham & Watkins in Washington, D.C. He volunteered in nearly every capacity at the Academy during that time, from leading class reunions to serving as trustee from 2004-16. 

Prior to attending Stanford Law School, Rawson served as an Admissions officer at PEA, where he lived on campus, advised students and coached lacrosse. “I then took a 40-year leave of absence,” he quipped to students during a special assembly announcing his appointment. “I am delighted to be back. I am excited to be your principal.” 

Rawson has committed to spending much of his time with students, to ensure their Exeter experiences continue to be transformative, now and in the future. 

The founders wrote, ‘the time of youth is the important period, on the improvement or neglect of which depend the most weighty consequences, to individuals themselves and the community.’ … It is the singular reason our school exists today."
Principal Bill Rawson

Writings and remarks

A letter to the community announcing the need-blind admissions process, Nov. 3, 2021

Non sibi and the environment

The Exeter Bulletin, Spring 2023

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A message of gratitude

The Exeter Bulletin, Winter 2023

 

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Feeling at home

The Exeter Bulletin, Fall 2022

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Student teachers

The Exeter Bulletin, Spring 2022

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A conversation with Principal Rawson

Building on strength

The Exeter Bulletin, Winter 2022

 

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The Exeter Bulletin, Fall 2021

"Let's get started"

Opening Assembly, Sept. 10, 2021

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See more

2020-21

2020 Opening Assembly

2021 Commencement 

The Exeter Bulletin
Our values in action Fall 2020
Individual growth and public purpose Winter 2021
Exeter lives within each of us Spring 2021

Other Communications
Our commitment to justice April 21, 2021

2019-20

2019 Opening Assembly 

2020 Commencement

The Exeter Bulletin
The Exeter way Fall 2019
Open to all Winter 2020
The community within us Spring 2020

Other Communications
Letter to the Exeter community June 29, 2020
An update on Exeter's virtual spring term April 13, 2020

2018-19

More to Explore

Exeter Today

Learn what's happening on campus and beyond. 

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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Vision Statement

We're committed to assembling a diverse community, and teaching skills, modeling behaviors, providing resources and cultivating the environment that unlocks the richness of that diversity.

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Exeter People

We share a passion for education, a commitment to excellence, boldness of thinking, and an openness to solving problems.

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